Smart Bitches
@smartbitches.bsky.social
I'm Sarah from Smart Bitches, and I like Trashy Books | Daily SBTB email: http://bit.ly/SBTB-feed | Reviews, Cover Snark, & Recs: http://sb-tb.com |
Pinned
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT:
If you receive a marketing pitch from "Smart Bitches Strategic Partnerships," IT IS NOT US.
Big thanks to the Cold War historian who forwarded me the scam email he received.
AGAIN: NOT US.
If you receive a marketing pitch from "Smart Bitches Strategic Partnerships," IT IS NOT US.
Big thanks to the Cold War historian who forwarded me the scam email he received.
AGAIN: NOT US.
I LOVE FEBRUARYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
Every year just a little more unhinged. Whether it's AI authors getting a tongue bath or lists of books that are swoon worthy with very curious interpretations of "swoon." It's just nonstop.
Every year just a little more unhinged. Whether it's AI authors getting a tongue bath or lists of books that are swoon worthy with very curious interpretations of "swoon." It's just nonstop.
Just saw a list of books that give "swoon worthy Valentine's Vibes." How many times must we point out that Anna Karenina, about a woman who throws herself in front of a train because of a fuck boy - is NOT a romance. Article adds disclaimer about the methodology. *sigh*
February 11, 2026 at 9:54 PM
I LOVE FEBRUARYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
Every year just a little more unhinged. Whether it's AI authors getting a tongue bath or lists of books that are swoon worthy with very curious interpretations of "swoon." It's just nonstop.
Every year just a little more unhinged. Whether it's AI authors getting a tongue bath or lists of books that are swoon worthy with very curious interpretations of "swoon." It's just nonstop.
My guest this week is Julia Quinn! Ofc we talk about JQ Editions & historicals - but also about book banning, and the need to show up and be loud.
Psst - there's also some news about which titles from Lisa Kleypas and Julie Anne Long will be part of JQ Editions 2027.
bit.ly/704JuliaQuinn
Psst - there's also some news about which titles from Lisa Kleypas and Julie Anne Long will be part of JQ Editions 2027.
bit.ly/704JuliaQuinn
February 10, 2026 at 3:10 PM
My guest this week is Julia Quinn! Ofc we talk about JQ Editions & historicals - but also about book banning, and the need to show up and be loud.
Psst - there's also some news about which titles from Lisa Kleypas and Julie Anne Long will be part of JQ Editions 2027.
bit.ly/704JuliaQuinn
Psst - there's also some news about which titles from Lisa Kleypas and Julie Anne Long will be part of JQ Editions 2027.
bit.ly/704JuliaQuinn
Reposted by Smart Bitches
I'm writing up a post about the importance of typography in book covers, which made me think of this. It still makes me laugh, every time I see it.
Today (well, every day) is a lot.
May I suggested cover snark?
Is the dragon prince's magic a green fart cloud?
Will there always be anus? Let's find out.
smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/06/cove...
May I suggested cover snark?
Is the dragon prince's magic a green fart cloud?
Will there always be anus? Let's find out.
smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2025/06/cove...
February 10, 2026 at 9:53 AM
I'm writing up a post about the importance of typography in book covers, which made me think of this. It still makes me laugh, every time I see it.
Reposted by Smart Bitches
*new* from me:
As pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training, three front office staffers spoke to me about helping Latino baseball players and their families navigate an America ravaged by ICE raids.
They say guidance from MLB has been “minimal” so their teams are getting creative.
As pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training, three front office staffers spoke to me about helping Latino baseball players and their families navigate an America ravaged by ICE raids.
They say guidance from MLB has been “minimal” so their teams are getting creative.
How do MLB workers protect Latin players from Trump's ICE raids? By themselves.
Front office staffers told eyeblack about keeping immigrant players safe while league guidance is minimal and "Manfred kisses Trump's ass."
www.readeyeblack.com
February 9, 2026 at 1:54 PM
*new* from me:
As pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training, three front office staffers spoke to me about helping Latino baseball players and their families navigate an America ravaged by ICE raids.
They say guidance from MLB has been “minimal” so their teams are getting creative.
As pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training, three front office staffers spoke to me about helping Latino baseball players and their families navigate an America ravaged by ICE raids.
They say guidance from MLB has been “minimal” so their teams are getting creative.
Reposted by Smart Bitches
“Humans in groups can be weird.”
As the kids say, that’s a bar.
As the kids say, that’s a bar.
My @thebaltimorebanner.com column about mom groups, inspired by the Ashley Tisdale Hollywood mom drama! They seem to be a good thing, with some cautions. Humans in groups can be weird. www.thebanner.com/opinion/colu...
Streeter: Mom groups can help bridge the adult friendship gap or create another gulf
COLUMN | Mom groups can be a lifeline, because early parenting can be a singularly isolating situation where you spend most of your time tending to a needy human who can’t talk back to you.
www.thebanner.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:01 PM
“Humans in groups can be weird.”
As the kids say, that’s a bar.
As the kids say, that’s a bar.
Reposted by Smart Bitches
I just read this based on an A review from @smartbitches.bsky.social It was pretty good!
February 9, 2026 at 1:12 AM
I just read this based on an A review from @smartbitches.bsky.social It was pretty good!
Reposted by Smart Bitches
Reposted by Smart Bitches
There was an interesting article in the SBTB @smartbitches.bsky.social newsletter about the development of early C20th pulp romances, where you can apparently see the development of the HEA becoming the defining attribute of romances, so it's approx 80-100 years old as the key marker of romance.
February 6, 2026 at 1:49 PM
There was an interesting article in the SBTB @smartbitches.bsky.social newsletter about the development of early C20th pulp romances, where you can apparently see the development of the HEA becoming the defining attribute of romances, so it's approx 80-100 years old as the key marker of romance.
Reposted by Smart Bitches
I've been practically bursting at the seams, sitting on this, but it's finally here: I'm honored to have a piece featured on @smartbitches.bsky.social today, talking about the #romance pulps, my personal journey with them, and my anthology, THE BEST OF ALL-STORY LOVE: 1929! #pulp #romancelandia
The Best of All-Story Love: 1929 Stuff - Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
smartbitchestrashybooks.com
February 5, 2026 at 7:46 PM
I've been practically bursting at the seams, sitting on this, but it's finally here: I'm honored to have a piece featured on @smartbitches.bsky.social today, talking about the #romance pulps, my personal journey with them, and my anthology, THE BEST OF ALL-STORY LOVE: 1929! #pulp #romancelandia
My episode with @ceilidhann.bsky.social is all about Oscar nominations, and also about celebrity brands and exploitation.
In this clip: Kayleigh got blocked for criticizing a celebrity for mining their child's vulnerability for content. "It's not content."
Listen here: bit.ly/703Kayleigh
In this clip: Kayleigh got blocked for criticizing a celebrity for mining their child's vulnerability for content. "It's not content."
Listen here: bit.ly/703Kayleigh
February 5, 2026 at 3:52 PM
My episode with @ceilidhann.bsky.social is all about Oscar nominations, and also about celebrity brands and exploitation.
In this clip: Kayleigh got blocked for criticizing a celebrity for mining their child's vulnerability for content. "It's not content."
Listen here: bit.ly/703Kayleigh
In this clip: Kayleigh got blocked for criticizing a celebrity for mining their child's vulnerability for content. "It's not content."
Listen here: bit.ly/703Kayleigh
Reposted by Smart Bitches
This does not seem great. (And yes, I went and looked, as far as I know this is a genuine tweet from a genuine local Twin Cities reporter.)
This is unreal. An AUSA talking like that in open court is about as close as you can come to a total breakdown. Never heard of anything like it.
February 3, 2026 at 9:06 PM
This does not seem great. (And yes, I went and looked, as far as I know this is a genuine tweet from a genuine local Twin Cities reporter.)
I just backed Burn It All Down, the feminist sports podcast you need on @kickstarter.com
This is because I've been following @jessicawluther.com since she was "speakers corner ATX" and I freaking love her work. Everyone involved is someone I want to hear from.
Cheers, y'all, and good luck. 🎙️
This is because I've been following @jessicawluther.com since she was "speakers corner ATX" and I freaking love her work. Everyone involved is someone I want to hear from.
Cheers, y'all, and good luck. 🎙️
Burn It All Down, the feminist sports podcast you need
A new season of what haters have called a "capitalist-hating, Trump-hating, NFL protest-loving group of far-Left women."
www.kickstarter.com
February 3, 2026 at 9:33 PM
I just backed Burn It All Down, the feminist sports podcast you need on @kickstarter.com
This is because I've been following @jessicawluther.com since she was "speakers corner ATX" and I freaking love her work. Everyone involved is someone I want to hear from.
Cheers, y'all, and good luck. 🎙️
This is because I've been following @jessicawluther.com since she was "speakers corner ATX" and I freaking love her work. Everyone involved is someone I want to hear from.
Cheers, y'all, and good luck. 🎙️
Reposted by Smart Bitches
This *has* to exist. Anybody?
Okay, kind of a left-field request but: there have to be books about mom friends/groups solving murders, right? And/or committing murders?
February 3, 2026 at 2:53 PM
This *has* to exist. Anybody?
One of my favorite parts of Black History Month: sign up to receive an email with a specific curated piece of Black history. Every single one is fascinating.
I think this started in 2020 or 2021, and I love it every year.
www.28daysofblackhistory.com
I think this started in 2020 or 2021, and I love it every year.
www.28daysofblackhistory.com
28 Days of Black History
28 days of Black history delivered in your inbox each day of February.
www.28daysofblackhistory.com
February 2, 2026 at 8:57 PM
One of my favorite parts of Black History Month: sign up to receive an email with a specific curated piece of Black history. Every single one is fascinating.
I think this started in 2020 or 2021, and I love it every year.
www.28daysofblackhistory.com
I think this started in 2020 or 2021, and I love it every year.
www.28daysofblackhistory.com
Reposted by Smart Bitches
Gonna take the site out for an ill-advised rager where it discovers why you don’t chase tequila shooters with Irish car bombs!
January 31, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Gonna take the site out for an ill-advised rager where it discovers why you don’t chase tequila shooters with Irish car bombs!
Reposted by Smart Bitches
I’m pretty sure I’ve been reading SBTB for close to 20 years at this point. Sarah and the gang have made something that I love so much (romance) even more fun. They are the absolute best!
Happy Anniversary 🥂
Happy Anniversary 🥂
Hey, guess what?
Smart Bitches is 21 years old today! 🍾🥂
So we're giving away custom champagne flutes because obviously.
Happy anniversary to us!
Smart Bitches is 21 years old today! 🍾🥂
So we're giving away custom champagne flutes because obviously.
Happy anniversary to us!
Cheers! Happy 21st Anniversary, Smart Bitches! - Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
smartbitchestrashybooks.com
January 31, 2026 at 5:41 PM
I’m pretty sure I’ve been reading SBTB for close to 20 years at this point. Sarah and the gang have made something that I love so much (romance) even more fun. They are the absolute best!
Happy Anniversary 🥂
Happy Anniversary 🥂
Hey, guess what?
Smart Bitches is 21 years old today! 🍾🥂
So we're giving away custom champagne flutes because obviously.
Happy anniversary to us!
Smart Bitches is 21 years old today! 🍾🥂
So we're giving away custom champagne flutes because obviously.
Happy anniversary to us!
Cheers! Happy 21st Anniversary, Smart Bitches! - Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
smartbitchestrashybooks.com
January 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Hey, guess what?
Smart Bitches is 21 years old today! 🍾🥂
So we're giving away custom champagne flutes because obviously.
Happy anniversary to us!
Smart Bitches is 21 years old today! 🍾🥂
So we're giving away custom champagne flutes because obviously.
Happy anniversary to us!
I was a guest on Under the Influence with @jopiazza.skystack.xyz to talk about...
Wait, you should guess.
You'll never guess.
Does it rhyme with Schmeeted Pievalry?
Maaaaaybe.
Wait, you should guess.
You'll never guess.
Does it rhyme with Schmeeted Pievalry?
Maaaaaybe.
The Heated Rivalry Episode Under the Influence with Jo Piazza | iHeart
Three things are happening in the group chat right now: perimenopause, ICE, and Heated Rivalry. That’s it. That’s the list. And yes, I am late to this particular...
www.iheart.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:45 PM
I was a guest on Under the Influence with @jopiazza.skystack.xyz to talk about...
Wait, you should guess.
You'll never guess.
Does it rhyme with Schmeeted Pievalry?
Maaaaaybe.
Wait, you should guess.
You'll never guess.
Does it rhyme with Schmeeted Pievalry?
Maaaaaybe.
Reposted by Smart Bitches
I wonder if it's category or keyword related. For instance, Heated Rivalry is excluded, but only the kindle version. You can use an affiliate link fine on the book or audios. I couldn't see any common thread. I thought there might be swearing in blurbs or conflicting category placements, but..
January 29, 2026 at 8:06 PM
I wonder if it's category or keyword related. For instance, Heated Rivalry is excluded, but only the kindle version. You can use an affiliate link fine on the book or audios. I couldn't see any common thread. I thought there might be swearing in blurbs or conflicting category placements, but..
Reposted by Smart Bitches
Hey, queer authors. Is this happening with your books?
Those of you with AmZ Affiliate accounts, have you noticed that a lot of erotic & LGBTQ+ books are "excluded"?
In the site stripe banner at the top it'll say "Excluded Product: This product is excluded from the Associates Program. Please link to a related product or category instead."
Anyone?
In the site stripe banner at the top it'll say "Excluded Product: This product is excluded from the Associates Program. Please link to a related product or category instead."
Anyone?
January 29, 2026 at 6:25 PM
Hey, queer authors. Is this happening with your books?
Reposted by Smart Bitches
wow. i had no idea, but yes i see this on certain things. wtf.
January 29, 2026 at 3:42 PM
wow. i had no idea, but yes i see this on certain things. wtf.
Reposted by Smart Bitches
Those of you with AmZ Affiliate accounts, have you noticed that a lot of erotic & LGBTQ+ books are "excluded"?
In the site stripe banner at the top it'll say "Excluded Product: This product is excluded from the Associates Program. Please link to a related product or category instead."
Anyone?
In the site stripe banner at the top it'll say "Excluded Product: This product is excluded from the Associates Program. Please link to a related product or category instead."
Anyone?
January 28, 2026 at 9:20 PM
Those of you with AmZ Affiliate accounts, have you noticed that a lot of erotic & LGBTQ+ books are "excluded"?
In the site stripe banner at the top it'll say "Excluded Product: This product is excluded from the Associates Program. Please link to a related product or category instead."
Anyone?
In the site stripe banner at the top it'll say "Excluded Product: This product is excluded from the Associates Program. Please link to a related product or category instead."
Anyone?
Reposted by Smart Bitches
Oprah’s coaching tree sucks beyond belief.
NEW from me:
Gayle King is coming under fire from CBS News staffers for her rousing defense of Bari Weiss at yesterday's all-hands meeting, with some feeling that it was a self-serving play to curry favor with the boss and save her job and hefty salary.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
Gayle King is coming under fire from CBS News staffers for her rousing defense of Bari Weiss at yesterday's all-hands meeting, with some feeling that it was a self-serving play to curry favor with the boss and save her job and hefty salary.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
CBS News staffers ‘pretty salty’ over Gayle King’s passionate defense of Bari Weiss
Exclusive: ‘She’s not going to say anything against the person who will determine her job status. This was her only play,” one network insider said.
www.independent.co.uk
January 28, 2026 at 10:47 PM
Oprah’s coaching tree sucks beyond belief.
Reposted by Smart Bitches
I’ve never had a chance to post this before, and am a little nervous about it, but: I would be absolutely delighted if you put Murder by Memory on your Hugo nomination list, please and thank you.
January 28, 2026 at 10:03 PM
I’ve never had a chance to post this before, and am a little nervous about it, but: I would be absolutely delighted if you put Murder by Memory on your Hugo nomination list, please and thank you.
Those of you with AmZ Affiliate accounts, have you noticed that a lot of erotic & LGBTQ+ books are "excluded"?
In the site stripe banner at the top it'll say "Excluded Product: This product is excluded from the Associates Program. Please link to a related product or category instead."
Anyone?
In the site stripe banner at the top it'll say "Excluded Product: This product is excluded from the Associates Program. Please link to a related product or category instead."
Anyone?
January 28, 2026 at 9:20 PM
Those of you with AmZ Affiliate accounts, have you noticed that a lot of erotic & LGBTQ+ books are "excluded"?
In the site stripe banner at the top it'll say "Excluded Product: This product is excluded from the Associates Program. Please link to a related product or category instead."
Anyone?
In the site stripe banner at the top it'll say "Excluded Product: This product is excluded from the Associates Program. Please link to a related product or category instead."
Anyone?